Monday, December 22, 2014

Just another value packed lighter from Visol up for review. This is the Aleus triple torch cigar lighter, shown in Visol's gunmetal finish. Not on the same quality level as the Xikar Pulsar. That said, more of an affordable option, with similar features. Though, missing one key feature... Aleus has ALMOST all of my favorite packed features: single thumb action to ignition, triple torches, and a cigar punch cutter. A triple torch lighter burns a lot of butane quickly. Unfortunately, Aleus is missing a fuel gauge window, this would be very beneficial. So close to hitting all my key integrations in a triple torch lighter.

The thumb action is smooth and easy to operate. Once depressed, emits a triangular strong wind resistant flame. On the side of the lighter is a user friendly 7mm cigar punch. Unlike Pulsar's easy fuel adjustment wheel, Aleus uses the old fingernail/screwdriver adjustment. In fairness, there is a serious price difference between the two. I am simply pointing out even though they have a lot of similarities, the right lighter lies with ones personal preferences all things considered. Aleus does have the a nice heft about it, coming in just shy of 3 oz. The Visol I reviewed fired up every time without hesitation. The overall materials used and quality are in line with a $20ish lighter. Do not expect a Xikar like finish. As noted, Aleus can be found around the $20 mark. Not too shabby at all.BEST Price CLR found:Visol Aleus

Monday, December 15, 2014

Today, another new brand on CLR. I will be reviewing the Nano Wenge Exotic Wood by Brizard & Co. After pulling the Nano single torch lighter out of the satchel it's presented in, I was struck by its small size. Maybe I have been reviewing to many monster lighters lately?! The lighter is made in the United States and retails for around $55. This Brizard Nano is shown here is in the wenge wood. The wood feels very nice in that it has not been overly finished. You can actually feel the grain, which I appreciated. What I did not appreciate was the somewhat sloppy/unfinished welding of the vertical center piece up the body connecting the top and bottom. The fuel adjustment on the bottom requires the dreaded fingernail/screwdriver technique. Nano is relatively a simple lighter, with a smaller than usual footprint. Very comfortable in a pair of jeans, etc.

Brizard & Co offers the Nano torch lighter in quite a few exotic wood choices: wenge, zeebrawood, rosewood, bubinga, and ebony. I appreciate the lighter being made in the United States, though, still hard to look past a few detail. The finish, no fuel gauge window, single torch, and no cigar punch cutter at this price point for me personally is tough to justify. If the construction was more refined, I could likely look past most of the "lacking", really like the wood and size. Nano is only 2.5" long and under a .5' wide.BEST Price CLR found:Brizard Exotic